Advice / advices

Hi Kayaker,

Let me give some advice: don't tug on Superman's cape, don't spit into the wind, don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger, and don't mess around with Jim.

Courtesy of Jim Croce, You Don't Mess Around With Jim (It was once a popular song.)

Advice can be singular (don't spit into the wind) or it can be plural as seen above.

This applie

Ok.

So, the word is always the same "advice" both for singular and plural.

And there's no word "advices"? It'd be incorrect to use "advices" for plural meaning?

And what about "pieces of advice"? When is it used?

There is no such word as 'advices'.

'Pieces of advice' could be used, in the same way as offering 'slices of bread' but is a bit odd. I think most people would say 'some advice'.

I wonder if you are asking as you have heard the phrase 'let me give you a piece of advice' ? This is a rather threatening idiomatic phrase and it doesn't follow that you would also use 'pieces of a

So "piece of advice" is only used in that idiomatic expression?

Not as a general term or plural for advice?

I've googled around and I've found that "pieces of advice" is very common.
(I usually look for sentences between double quotes in google to find how common they are)
And it is used as a plural for advice.

So, how's the deal?

Hi Kayaker,

You question ought to be, "So, what's the deal?" that is our way of saying it.

"Pieces of advice"

Pieces is plural. Advice can be either singular or plural. But note, it is NOT advices. It is only advice.

1) Let me give some (meaning more than one) advice:

2) Let me give you advice:

In both situations, I can give you more

in terms of severity - suggestion, recommendation, and advice, how would you rank them? thanks.

bmo,

I would rank recommendation as stronger than suggestion. I am not sure how I would rank advice.

Often in business communication, a subordinate will "soften" her voice using the word "suggestion" when she really means recommendation.

A suggestion: I think you ought to consider expanding Plant X. (The reader can take it or leave it.)

A recommenation:

OK, I'll get in on this one.

(1) We must first distinguish between the meaning of the word and the use of the word, which MH has mentioned in his last post: 'It depends on the status of the speaker and the tone she uses'. I agree absolutely-- this is one of the key factors in the utility and versatility of the English language. .. and never fails to dumbfound learners, who expect words

my ranking is advice is most severe, then recommendation, then suggestion. advice seems to be from the top to the bottom, from the boss to the underling, from father to son. an advice is almost like a warning with consequence if you don't do it. a recommendation is a strong suggestion.